Pre-Doctoral Fellowship (Prof. Stantcheva)Harvard University

Economics professor Stefanie Stantcheva is seeking a fulltime predoctoral fellow. The position will involve close collaboration on new and ongoing projects in public economics, with a particular focus on taxation, innovation, and people’s attitudes towards public policies. This position will be based at Harvard starting July 1st, 2026 (earlier start dates are possible). This is a one-year appointment with the ability to renew for one year based on performance.

Please take a look at the type of work Prof. Stantcheva does on her website: https://www.stefanie-stantcheva.com/ as well as on her Social Economics Lab website http://socialeconomicslab.org/.

Responsibilities will include collecting and cleaning data, running online surveys, conducting some econometric analyses, assisting with literature reviews, gathering background information, and helping with the preparation of manuscripts for publication, slides for presentations, some lecture notes, and other dissemination materials (including the research and lab websites). Depending on the schedule and projects, you may interact with co-authors and graduate students working with Prof. Stantcheva, and you have the opportunity to attend student lunches, seminars, reading groups, and other activities.

The ideal candidate should be completing (or have completed) a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and will have:
(i) a strong quantitative background
(ii) strong programing skills
(iii) long-term interest in pursuing research in economics
(iv) an excellent academic record
(v) some prior experience with research, including independent work (such as an undergrad or master’s thesis) and/or work as a research assistant.

Some background in economics and econometrics is recommended but is not required. Candidates with strong technical backgrounds who are looking for more exposure to economics are encouraged to apply.

Preference will be given to applicants who have the potential to work for two years.

Please submit the following materials:
1. A cover letter describing:
a. Your interest in the position
b. The start and end dates for which you would be able to fill this position
c. Your familiarity with programing languages (e.g., Stata, SAS, R, Matlab, Python)
d. Your prior experience as a research assistant and/or with independent research projects (e.g., an undergraduate or master’s thesis)
e. Names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of 2-3 references. Please indicate which references you have worked for as a research assistant or who has supervised an independent research project. Please let these references know that they may be contacted by Prof. Stantcheva.
2. A current CV, including: All relevant information on undergraduate and graduate degrees completed or will be completed before start date including institution, degree, field of study, and GPA
3. All relevant undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine)
4. An original research paper or writing sample (if available). Feel free to include github pages, links to code etc.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Short-listed applicants will be required to complete a technical exercise and may be called for an interview.

*Visa sponsorship available

Sonia J

$50,000 – $55,000